Strangers are not strangers: Kopf and Palao worked for several years together in The Magic Christian with Flamin' Groovie Cyril Jordan; See is a respected player who's performed with members of Brian Jonestown Massacre and led the groups The Bang and Gentle Cycle. Though he doesn't appear on the album, drummer Craig Heitkam, also of the Gentle Cycle, has now ably filled the Strangers' vacant throne. The band's live performances have already received enthusiastic reviews.